Sergio's is a haven for hard-core beer lovers and the beer-curious alike. Although humble in size and stature, with its vast and varied selection of beers from around the globe, this simple bar has garnered a reputation as local legend. The walls are lined with flags of every kind, and coolers displaying a seemingly endless array of bottled beers, including several rare and hard to find varieties. Once you have made your selection, just amble over to the counter and you can choose to either stay and enjoy your brew at the bar, or take it home to quaff later. Apart from the bottled varieties, Sergio's also boasts an impressive rotating selection on tap, with the seasonal specialties being the most popular. Paired with a food menu that features everything from pretzels, wings, mozzarella sticks and hummus platters to burritos, fajitas, burgers, pizzas and other pub grub, at Sergio's you are sure to find something that suits your beer.
Zanzabar is a local institution. Since its opening in 1938 it has changed templates many times, but it has always remained a local watering hole. The recent incarnation has it all, from old-school arcade games and pinball tournament nights to local farm-to-table food and live music, things have surely changed since those prewar days. The food and drinks are outstanding, but a lot of people come just to revert back to their childhood with games like Paperboy, Asteroids, Frogger and Donkey Kong. When you add the live music, this version of Zanzabar appears as if it is the best one in the last 80 years.
Holy Grale is a beer-lover's paradise housed in a former Unitarian church, however now the gospel is according to King Gambrinus (an old European beer hero) as opposed to those out of the Good Book. Here, the beer flows happily through ever-changing taps and bottles. The food menu features small bites on their pickle, charcuterie and cheese plates, yet some larger, more filling options are on there as well. On tap there are more than 20 distinct brews that keep the seasonally-drawn menu good company, in fact, the staff will recommend the perfect beer-pairing with your meal(s).
A venture by renowned chef Anthony Lamas of Food Network fame, Seviche is the place to go for not only its namesake dish, but for plenty of Latin flavors. Making use of local ingredients, the chefs at this restaurant serve mouthwatering Ceviche like the signature Old Fashioned which is tuna cooked from the acidity in a bluegrass soy, Kentucky bourbon, orange and pineapple brine. Some of the other dishes include plates from around the world as well, with skirt steak and Chimichurri from Argentina, the traditional Paella dish influenced from Spain and veggie chimichangas that hail from the Mexican kitchen. As the menus constantly change, guests can rest assured that they will eat something novel and innovative.
Established in 2011, Against The Grain Brewery & Smokehouse is an ideal place to quaff microbrews and delicious food. Managed by a group of friends (Jerry, Adam, Sam and Andrew), this is the first traditional brewpub in the city. Against The Grain takes pride in brewing a vast variety of beers, from classic ales to flavor infusions alongside the hops are available here. Their menu features a delightful range of burgers, sandwiches, ribs and chicken that will complement your beer. Located on the grounds of Louisville Slugger Field, you can enjoy a drink and meal here before or after a game.
Housed in a former garage, The Garage Bar is one of the most popular eateries and bars in the NuLu neighborhood or East Market District of Louisville. The place is always thumping with excitement and the two crashed cars at the entrance is a cool, gimmick that belies what the bar is all about. Their wood-fired oven pizzas are phenomenal and every single one of them uses local, farm fresh ingredients. Just check the menu, it has the local farmers and purveyors listed behind the products in your dish.
Cultured - Cheese and Charcuterie Bar is known to offer delightful farmstead cheese varieties that will only keep you wanting for more. Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese is offered here and some of the perennial favorites include Kenny's Cheese, Wells Made Nuts and Nut Butters, Red Hog Charcuterie and Capriole Goat Cheese. To make the most of your experience, pair your cheese with fine wine. Cultured – Cheese also offers an event space and is a great place for groups.
A classy restaurant with numerous beautifully decorated dining spaces, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse is perfect for a good time with a group. This vibrant restaurant does not limit its menu to steaks, but also has seafood and sushi for you to enjoy. Starting off with crispy duck ravioli and herb grilled oysters, you can gorge on entrées like the signature bone-in filet mignon, steak Collinsworth, diver scallops, steak and lobster and more. An excellent wine list is also on offer.
Hell or High Water is definitely one of Louisville's best-kept secrets. Hidden right in Downtown, the bar is a different world in itself. An exquisite experience when it comes to lounging, this speakeasy bar boasts of an old school decor that goes back to the 1920s. Dimly lit with elegant crystal chandeliers, exposed brick walls, and cozy leather and velvet sofas give the bar an appearance which is straight out of a Fitzgerald novel. You can sip on a variety of craft cocktails and drinks which are categorized into hell and high water. A charcuterie board is ideal to enjoy with your drinks near the spectacular library or even the small upstairs section of the bar. A must-visit and reservation recommended, Hell or High Water is bound to surprise you with its charm.